Walk for Living on Sept. 28 Honors Individuals Living with MS and ALS

Jack Geilfuss was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis while still in college. The disease progressed quickly, leaving Jack unable to speak, walk or work after debilitating bouts. Jack was admitted to a nursing home and then moved in with his parents.

The house was not handicap accessible, making it almost impossible for Jack to leave his room for five years. In 2010, Jack moved into the newly opened Leonard Florence Center for Living (LFCL), the first urban Green House® skilled nursing facility in the country.

His life changed dramatically; he was now able to live independently, socializing with his new house mates, going outdoors whenever he chose, taking trips to Disneyworld, New York City, Red Sox games, and even going sailing, skiing and skydiving. “There’s a big difference between existing and living,” explains Jack Geilfuss. “And now,” he added, “I am living again.”

The sixth annual ALS & MS Walk for Living, sponsored by the Chelsea Jewish Foundation, honors Jack and the other ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and MS (multiple sclerosis) residents by raising funds for improved healthcare at the Foundation’s facilities and residences.

This year, the two-mile walk will be held on Sunday, September 28 at 10am at the Chelsea Jewish Foundation on Admirals Hill at 165 Captains Row in Chelsea.

The Leonard Florence Center for Living, an integral part of the Chelsea Jewish Foundation, features specialized residences for individuals with ALS and MS. In short, the revolutionary technology, combined with Center’s design, amenities and dedicated staff enable the residents to live as independently as possible.

LFCL residents who are completely immobilized are able to control the lights, turn on the TV, open doors and raise window shades -- just by using their eyes. This cutting edge technology is showcased in two of the ten homes that make up the Center.

“We have made tremendous strides in creating residences that allow individuals with ALS and MS to live a vital and productive life,” explains Barry Berman, CEO of the Chelsea Jewish Foundation. “The reality, however, is that we need many more residences equipped with this type of advanced technology. The Walk for Living is a key way for us to raise critical funds for those afflicted with devastating diseases.”

The 2014 Walk for Living will take place at 10am, September 28, 2014 at the Leonard Florence Center, 165 Captains Row on Admirals Hill in Chelsea. Registration is at 9am. Immediately following the walk there will be a variety of BBQ stations as well as music, performances, face painting, raffles and more. There is a $10 donation to participate in the Walk, which includes a Walk for Living tee shirt and the BBQ.

To support the Walk for Living by sponsoring or joining a team, or to make a much-needed donation, please visit www.walkforliving.org or call Joelle Smith at 617-409-8973 or email walkforliving@chelseajewish.org .